Lighting for Awkward Tank Type

Hi everyone, I'm brand new to the site although I have been keeping fish for a couple of years. I have just finished cycling a brand new 55G tank that I intend to make a reef tank; however, I'm afraid it might be a challenge to keep corals, inverts etc. healthy in my tank. It's a tall hex that measures a good two and a half feet high but is a mere 20 inches across! Finding high-wattage bulbs that are small enough to fit properly on this tank has proved impossible. I currently have a 50/50 and an actinic bulb on there (don't worry, no corals until I can figure this out!) that add up to a mere 35 watts! There is no room for more then two 18 inch bulbs. Can someone help me figure out how to properly light this thing?

 

Welcome to the reef!
I would suggest a metal halide.

 

I agree. Maybe a pendant to hang above so that length of the tank no longer matter.

 

You know, Hamilton Technology sells the spotlight pendant. Those would work excellent for hex tanks. They mount the halide bulb vertically.

Check it out -> http://www.hamiltontechnology.com/shop/index.php?task=show&cat=Pendant

If it's higher than 18", you need a 250w spotlight. Anything higher than 36" will require 400watters. ;D

 

also, coralife makes a metal halide light that clamps to the side of the tank via an adjustable arm. Might want to give that a try as well. you should be able to find it at www.thatfishplace.com

 

There is also a clip on light.
http://www.petsolutions.com/Aqualig... Metal Halide-I-96353601-I-C-40001736-C-.aspx
It may be worth checking out.

 

A friend of mine has a halide pendant - it's either a 175 or a 250 - over his drilled out 55 hex. It looks great!

 

Wow, thanks a lot everybody! I will definitely check out all those options. You guys are the best.